I'd like to respond to Simon Hand's letter regarding the "unnecessary expansion of the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock."

While vessel traffic may seem non-existent to locals crossing the bridges at IHNC, the real fact is that over 22 tows (groups of rafted barges) pass the lock every day.

These groups of barges were trying to safely hold position in the very swift, flood-stage Mississippi River, stay off the levees, and stay out of the way of ships and other barges while they waited their turn for up to two days each to get through the lock.

Over 70 percent of these tows are carrying petroleum products, fuel, and chemicals.

The backup is made worse by the fact that almost every one of these tows must break itself apart and make multiple trips to get through the lock. This situation was made much worse by the requirement to move all floating equipment from behind the too-small antiquated lock ahead of a hurricane. It cannot be done!

The complete story of the tremendous advantages of and challenges for our country's inland barge industry is, sadly, not visible to the general public, as Mr. Hand points out. It takes a detailed look into the industry to learn these facts.

I applaud reporter Jen DeGregorio for attempting to expose a more factual, realistic side of the lock replacement argument for the benefit of those who live in the local area.

I also would extend an offer to show neighbors why they share in the benefits of a newer, safer, more efficient lock. The replacement of this transportation structure is more critical to local New Orleans residents than they realize.